Blaine's Wager: MacLarens of Boundary Mountain Historical Western Romance Series, #7

By Shirleen Davies

Bringing her to the ranch was a very bad idea.

Now all he wants is to convince her to stay.

Blaine's Wager, Book Seven, MacLarens of Boundary Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

Blaine MacLaren yearns to be a man his family considers a strong leader. After a lifetime living in his older brother's shadow, his uncles finally give him the chance he craves—running their new properties near Settlers Valley. Embracing the challenge, he rides away from Circle M with only one regret—leaving the woman he desires more than he cares to admit.

Lia Jacobs has been running for four years, staying a few towns ahead of the family who plans to drag her home. Landing in Conviction, she believes herself safe, until a wildly handsome man turns her dreams upside down.

Beginning to trust him and forging a friendship, she starts to think a future, maybe even love, is possible. Then he rides away, leaving her alone with shattered dreams and a bruised heart.

The days are long, the nights longer as Blaine works to keep the woman he'd left behind from his thoughts. Nothing helps, until a series of threatening events forces him to focus on the ranch and not the throbbing pain in his chest.

Lia buries herself in her work, forgetting the danger of staying in one place too long. The arrival of those who search for her forces Lia to make a tough decision—one taking her away from a known danger and into the path of another.

She may have outsmarted those who chase her. But is exchanging one type of threat for another, one endangering her heart, any better?

Blaine's Wager, book seven in the MacLarens of Boundary Mountain Historical Western Romance Series, is a stand-alone, full-length novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger.

Book 1: Colin's Quest

Book 2: Brodie's Gamble

Book 3: Quinn's Honor

Book 4: Sam's Legacy

Book 5: Heather's Choice

Book 6: Nate's Destiny

Book 7: Blaine's Wager

• Language: English
• Publisher: Avalanche Ranch Press LLC
• Release date: Jun 28, 2018
• ISBN: 9781941786765

Book preview

Chapter One

Settlers Valley, California

March 1866

Blaine knew it was a bad idea from the beginning.

Lying flat on his back, he stared up at the hole in the floor of the barn’s loft. Warning bells had sounded in his head the instant he’d put his boot on the sagging planks. He should’ve stepped back, tested the floor by setting one of the bales onto the weakened section.

Now his head throbbed and back ached to the point he didn’t want to sit up. He could almost picture his cousin, Heather, staring down, calling him an eejit before reaching out a hand to help him up.

The last had Blaine forcing himself into a seated position, knees drawn up, arms resting over them. Heather and her husband, Caleb, would be arriving any moment to help clean out and repair the barn. Under no circumstances could he let them see him on the ground, covered in a disgusting mixture of manure, hay, and dirt.

Hearing the sound of approaching horses, Blaine hastened to stand, groaning at the slice of pain in the back of his head. Cursing himself as a fool, he brushed off what he could, spotting his hat several feet away. Grabbing it, he settled it on his head seconds before Caleb and Heather reined up outside the barn doors.

Heather stared at him a moment, glancing up to see the hole in the loft floor. Shaking her head, she slid to the ground. Eejit. You couldn’t wait a wee bit for us to get here and help you. She looked at Caleb. I told you the lad would do something foolish if we didn’t get here soon.

Masking a grin, Caleb dismounted, studying the broken planks. Walking directly under the gaping hole, he shrugged. Seems we’ll need to replace the entire floor before doing anything else. Do you have the boards?

Blaine thought of the stack of old lumber out back. Not enough. I’ll be needing to make a trip to town once we’ve a list of supplies. Nails, hammer, shovel, broad axe… His voice faded when he placed fisted hands on his waist and stared up at the splintered planks. I’d best be getting a wagonload of wood. I’ll need to borrow your wagon, Caleb.

I plan to go to town with you. We’ll stop at our ranch and get it.

Heather walked around the barn for the first time since the MacLarens completed the purchase of this ranch, as well as a few other properties not far from Settlers Valley. A few hours’ ride from Conviction, Blaine had been selected as the foreman of the expanded ranch.

It’s not a bonny sight.

Blaine brushed hay from his shirt, his gaze narrowing as he looked around. Nae, it isn’t.

She rested a hand on her protruding stomach, a grin curving the corners of her mouth. We’ll have it cleaned up and looking grand in no time.

Blaine picked up a broken shovel, tossing it atop the pile of trash in a corner. Just don’t be working too hard, Heather. You’ve a wee bairn to think about.

Ach. The bairn won’t be coming for months.

Caleb dragged a splintered sawhorse across the ground, dropping it in front of Blaine. I can fix this for you. Maybe some of the tools, as well. He looked at Heather. As long as you promise not to overdue yourself. It’s going to take us most of the day to get to town and back. Walking to her, he placed his hands on her shoulders. It would be better for you to ride with us as far as our ranch and stay there today. If Blaine agrees, we’ll get supplies and return there for the night. We’ll return early tomorrow morning with everything we need.

She looked at her cousin. We’d be leaving the ranch without anyone here, Blaine.

He threw his head back, laughing. Ah, lass. There’s nothing to take. The house, barn, and bunkhouse are almost falling down. We’ve moved the cattle and horses to your ranch until the ranch hands from Circle M arrive. Blaine gestured around the open space. Would you be seeing anything of value?

Leaning against Caleb’s shoulder, she shook her head, a wry grin spreading across her face. Nae. Even the pitchfork is broken. Is the house as bad?

Blaine grimaced. Almost. They took all the furniture, food, and supplies. I’ve been sleeping on my bedroll. The ranch hands are bringing furniture.

Walking to the door of the barn, she looked at the other buildings. Will they be needing to build their own cots for the bunkhouse?

Blaine joined her, recalling what he’d seen. Nae. The bunks are fine. The benches and table are damaged. There’ll be plenty of work for them when they arrive.

Caleb moved next to them. When do you expect them?

This week. Blaine quirked a brow. Which isn’t soon enough.

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Highlander Ranch

Caleb’s Ranch near Settlers Valley

Keeping the boys in jail overnight inconvenienced me more than them. Nate stabbed another piece of beef, putting it into his mouth.

Blaine looked between him and his new bride, Geneen, who was as close to him as a sister. Meaning you weren’t able to ride back to the ranch and your wife.

Nate swallowed, his lips twisting in disgust. I didn’t sleep at all. The boys couldn’t keep their mouths shut, and the cot in the last jail cell is horrible. Something else to replace.

Why? Caleb asked. They’re mostly used for prisoners, right?

True, but there’ll be times when either George or I will have to stay overnight.

Caleb cocked his head to the side. George? Do you mean the young man who helped Colt guard the gold wagon?

The same. He didn’t want to work for Leland Nettles at the Acorn Mine anymore, and I needed a deputy. He started this morning.

Geneen shot a pleased look at Heather. Nate gave him the use of his room at Mrs. Keach’s boardinghouse. There shouldn’t be many nights when Nate will have to stay in town.

Caleb pushed his empty plate away. With the previous sheriff gone, most of the crime seems to have disappeared.

Nate nodded. No one knew the full extent of his crimes until the man’s death.

A wicked gleam appeared in Heather’s eyes. Mrs. Keach told me it should’ve come a long time ago. She wishes she’d been the one to do it.

Geneen bit her lower lip to hide her amusement, glancing at Nate.

Mrs. Keach has an opinion on everything, Heather. Crossing his arms, Nate leaned back in his chair. She’s got a heart of gold, but I wouldn’t want to cross her.

Nate had gotten to know the older widow who owned the boardinghouse while he lived in town and worked for Marcus Kamm, the blacksmith. Ignoring the fact the woman created as much gossip as she passed along, Nate found her to be loyal, honorable, and one of the best cooks around.

The last time I was in town, she was in the general store, telling Mr. Beall how she shot a man for trying to slip out without paying for room and board. Got him right in the, well…in his buttocks. Geneen put a hand over her mouth to stifle the giggles.

Heather didn’t bother to hide her delight, bursting into laughter. She is a bonny woman.

Watching the joy on the women’s faces, the corners of Nate’s eyes crinkled. Shifting, he looked at Blaine, noticing the distant expression on his face, realizing how quiet his friend had been. Lowering his voice, he leaned toward him.

Are you thinking of the young lady in Conviction?

Blaine jerked to attention. What do you mean?

Nate shrugged. Brodie sent me a telegram about a group of rustlers who might be headed this way. He also said a lady named Lia asked about you.

Staring at his empty plate, Blaine shifted in his seat, feeling a strong urge to get up and leave. She’s a lass I met before moving up here. Sweet and… A hint of a smile curved his lips as an image of Permilia Jacobs entered his mind.

Bonny? Nate prodded.

His features softened. Aye. Quite bonny. Pushing his chair away from the table, Blaine stood. You lasses have done enough for one day. I’ll help with the dishes tonight.

Heather shook her head. Nae, Blaine. You’ve a long day ahead of you tomorrow and I’ve a long way to go before I’m too big to help in the kitchen. She glanced at Caleb. I’ll bring coffee to you in the study.

Blaine’s right. You’ve done enough. Caleb stood, putting an arm around her waist. I can see you’re tired. The boys and I will clean up tonight. You and Geneen head upstairs. We won’t be down here long. Kissing her forehead, he spun her toward the stairs. Just stay awake until I get up there.

Looking over her shoulder, Heather shot him a wicked smile. Ah, lad, you know I’ll wait for you.

Blaine listened to their banter, so much like his older brother, Colin, and his wife, Sarah. It was the way of the MacLaren family. Their homes had always been full of love and mischief, loyalty and laughter. Hearing their teasing never bothered him before. Tonight, he felt a stab of melancholy, which troubled him more than a little bit.

Goodnight to you, Heather.

She stopped next to Geneen, who’d just hugged Nate. Goodnight to you, too, Blaine. I’ll be seeing you in the morning. Oh, and thank you for cleaning the kitchen.

Chuckling, he shook his head. Don’t be getting used to it, lass. And don’t be running back downstairs if you hear anything break.

Crossing her arms, she glared at him in mock anger. Don’t you be making me mad, Blaine. Even in my condition, I’d still take you.

A wide grin slashed across his face, his hands raising in defense. And I’ve no doubt you’d whip me good.

Caleb clasped him on the shoulder. Enough, you two. Turning him around, he shoved Blaine toward the kitchen, winking at Heather.

Nate watched the women walk up the stairs, heads together, whispering in the way he’d become accustomed to seeing. Stacking the dirty dishes, he drew in a deep breath, looking into the open kitchen door.

He’d never seen Blaine show any emotion about a woman outside the family. Never heard of him holding an interest in any female. Colin had once said ranching was his brother’s only love. Everyone had said the same about Quinn, until Emma changed his mind.

Nate thought of the woman in Brodie’s message, wondering if there was more to it than Blaine wanted to admit. If so, he felt a stab of discomfort for his friend. Nate knew what it was like to be separated from the woman you cared about, believing no way existed for you to ever come together.

Watching through the open doorway as Caleb and Blaine tossed water at each other, Nate shoved thoughts of the mystery woman aside. Whatever was going on in his friend’s life, it was none of his business. For that, he was thankful.

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Conviction

Lia, your order for Brodie’s table is ready.

Permilia Jacobs blew an errant strand of hair from in front of her eyes, picking up three plates filled with potatoes, roast, and carrots. She knew Brodie MacLaren and the two deputies with him liked their meals hot. She didn’t plan to disappoint them.

Here you are, gentlemen. Setting the plates down, she took a careful look at Brodie’s face, a pasty mixture of white and green. Are you all right, Sheriff?

Sam Covington, Brodie’s brother-in-law and fellow lawman, barked out a laugh. We just took Maggie to Doc Vickery.

He threw me out. Brodie’s broken expression made Lia want to wrap her arms around the stoic lawman.

Doc didn’t actually toss you out. He strongly suggested we take you for a drink or food. Seth Montero raised a brow, glancing at Lia. I voted for drinks, but these two thought food would be best.

Lia grinned. And they’re right. The sheriff will need all the strength he can get once the baby comes.

She watched Brodie’s throat work, a grimace on his face as he stared down at the food. Would you like something else to eat, Sheriff? We have chicken soup, or the cook could make you some gruel.

Seth’s brows furrowed. Gruel?

Holding up a hand, Brodie shook his head. Nae. No soup or gruel for me, lass. If I can’t be swallowing meat, I’ll not be eating.

Seth looked up at Lia. Gruel?

A thin porridge. When his expression didn’t change, Lia pursed her lips. You boil water or milk and add oats or wheat.

His eyes widened. For feeding babies and old folks, right?

Brodie glared at him, spearing a piece of roast and sticking it into his mouth. Chewing still came hard, though. The last image he had was of Maggie, her face red, forehead beaded with sweat, hands clutching her stomach. Pushing his plate away, he shoved back his chair.

Oh no, you don’t. Sam grabbed his arm. Doc Vickery said he’d send word as soon as the baby comes. And Jinny is there with Maggie. Mentioning Brodie’s sister calmed him a bit.

Seth snickered. Don’t make us lock you in the jail, Sheriff.

This is not anything like when Colin and Sarah had Grant, Brodie grumbled, settling down in the chair.

Grant was born at home, with all the women around to help. As I recall, Colin was with the men downstairs. Sam picked up his coffee, blowing across the top before taking a sip.

They let him upstairs just before Grant was born. Brodie scrubbed a shaky hand down his face. Gripping the arms of the chair, he willed himself to take deep breaths. Sam, you have a son. How long will this take?

The amusement on Sam’s face faded at the thought of how Robbie came into the world. If you remember, I wasn’t there.

Closing his eyes, Brodie nodded. Aye. Sorry, lad.

The gloomy expression left Sam’s gaze, replaced with understanding. It will take as long as it takes. Jinny is there. You know she’ll come get you as soon as the baby arrives.

Some babies take an hour or two, others five times that long. I’ve seen some cause misery for two days before deciding to join the world.

Three pairs of eyes locked on Lia.

You’ve helped with births? Brodie asked.

Not realizing what she’d revealed until he called her on it, she nodded. I have. Where I lived before there were many births…and deaths.

You were a midwife?

Licking her lips, she nodded at Brodie.

And where was that, lass?

Lia’s heart stilled. She couldn’t reveal more about her past, especially to a lawman. Swallowing, she cleared her throat, desperate to think of a way out of telling the truth.

Jinny came rushing through the door of the restaurant.  Brodie! She dashed to their table. You must come now.

Standing, his expression tight, he pushed the chair back so hard it tipped over. Is Maggie all right?

Gulping, Jinny’s frightened gaze met her brother’s. The lass is bleeding. Both Doc Vickery and Doc Tilden are with her.

Brodie clutched her arm. The bairn?

The laddie is fine. Gwen is with him.

Gwen Acheson worked at Buckie’s Castle, a saloon in Conviction known for offering full drinks and beautiful women. Before being accepted to work as Doc Vickery’s nurse, she’d initiated many young men on how to pleasure a woman—Colin, Quinn, Brodie, and Blaine being a few of them. The irony wasn’t lost on Brodie.

I’ve got to get to her. He grabbed his hat and sprinted out the door, Jinny a few paces behind.

Seth watched them go before looking at Sam. I’ll wait back at the jail.

Nodding, Sam reached into his pocket, pulling out enough money to cover all their meals. This should take care of it.

Taking the money, Lia touched his arm. Will you let me know what happens with Maggie?

He glanced around the restaurant, seeing it almost empty. Joe might let you come to the clinic. The docs might appreciate you being there.

Shaking her head, Lia backed away. Oh, no. They wouldn’t need help from me.

Spotting Joe across the room, Sam walked around Lia and right up to him. Doc Vickery needs Lia’s help at the clinic. Can you spare her for bit? He winced at stretching the truth, telling himself it was for a good reason.

Joe’s brows shot up, then lowered, noticing the number of empty tables. Sure, Sam. It’s not too busy tonight.

Shaking his hand, Sam returned to Lia. Come on. Joe’s fine with you being gone for a while.

But—

Please, Lia. Vickery and Tilden are exceptional doctors. The fact you know Maggie and have had some good experience isn’t going to hurt.

Letting out a shaky breath, she nodded. If you think it might help her.

We won’t know until you get there, will we?

Chapter Two

Brodie paced the length of the small waiting room, his gaze darting between the closed door, where Maggie hovered between life and death, and Gwen, who sat in a chair, rocking his baby boy. Twice, he’d tried to enter the room to be with his wife. Each time, Hugh Tilden took him by the arm, leading him back to the front area. The sight of Maggie’s pale face and dull eyes stabbed through him, a memory he’d never be able to remove.

How is she? Sam stepped next to Brodie while Lia stood at the open door to the clinic, her gaze fixed on the baby in Gwen’s arms.

Threading a hand through his hair, his features creased with worry, eyes stormy. Ach. They won’t let me see her. He whirled toward the door of the examination room. Maggie’s in there and I’ve no idea if she’ll live or die.

Sam placed a hand on his shoulder. They’re doing all they can, Brodie.

What if it’s not enough? His eyes filled with pain, voice breaking. What if I lose the lass?

Turning toward Lia, Sam nodded at the closed door. Maybe they’ll let Lia help. She’s had some experience and knows Maggie.

Brodie’s gaze shot to hers. Would you give it a try, lass?

Lia didn’t feel worthy, yet couldn’t ignore the pleading look in his eyes. I’m not sure what I can do that the doctors can’t.

Walking to her, Brodie took her hand. They won’t let me in there. You can be with her, hold her hand…talk to her. He glanced at the closed door, then back at Lia. I’d be grateful, lass.

She didn’t have it in her to refuse. All right. Lia moved next to Gwen. Do you think they’ll let me in?

Holding the baby close to her chest, Gwen met her gaze. "If you’ve had some experience, they might welcome another woman in there. This is the first